Frequently Asked Questions
- Have your recent vet records with their latest vitals listed.
- Depending on your pet’s health, we may need a referral from your vet saying massage is OK.
- Complete the health history questionnaire before your first appointment.
- Have your animal clean.
- If your animal is excitable or high energy -- please exercise them at least one hour before your massage appointment so ready to relax.
- Bring a collar/leash/harness if needed.
- We do not take any animals that are aggressive or extremely territorial. We say this for our own safety and in knowing that the massage would not be beneficial to the animal at this point.
During the massage, we use direct pressure and compression to spread the muscle fibers freeing adhesions and restrictions. This improves circulation to the muscles and also removes metabolic waste. Massage is always completed as a full body massage with only the use of our hands, so that we are able to feel the muscle tension and/or any adhesions. Every major muscle group will be massaged which will provide your animal with a balanced and relaxed body.
They should go outside again, have time for a walk and access to fresh water. For horses, they should be walked for at least 5 minutes post massage.
- Support the overall health by balancing the body by treating it as a whole instead of individual parts.
- Assist in maintaining a healthy body and physical condition of the animal.
- Relieves/reduce pain, discomfort, and stiffness and helps advance the healing process.
- An increased range of motion, releases muscle tension, helps muscles perform freely and enhances muscle tone which helps prevent injury.
- Reduced inflammation/swelling in the joints which alleviates pain.
- Carries away excessive fluids/toxins and promotes healing by increasing nutrients to the muscles.
- Stimulates circulation and releases endorphins which are natural pain killers.
- Increases lymphatic circulation and brings oxygen and boost the immune system.
- Prevents and relieves stress.
- Helps to build relationships of trust with humans and to make handling of the animal easier.
- Agility competitors before and after competition maximizing performance and recovery.
- Show animals that need to be relaxed and look their best.
- Older pets with arthritis and other joint or mobility problems enhancing comfort and quality of life.
- Pets recovering from a recent injury, illness or surgery.
- Pets with past injuries, genetic abnormalities or chronic conditions that continue to limp or move awkwardly.
- Pets with poor circulation.
- Young pets with socialization and aiding in growth.
- Pets with behavioral issues, emotional trauma and physical condition.
- Pets that have been, or about to be, confined for an extended period of time such as boarding or recovery.
- Pets distressed before or after vet visits, grooming appointments, lengthy travel, etc.
Elite Performance Therapeutic Massage, LLC is owned and operated by Nate and Amy Schlieve. Nate is certified in both human and equine massage therapy. Amy is certified in both canine and equine massage after taking two complete home study courses through from Equissage in Round Hill, VA. Each program included anatomy, massage techniques and other training. We are members of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). We work at the animal’s pace and comfort level. Part of our training was learning about animal body language so we watch very carefully during a session to make sure that our clients are comfortable and happy. We will not massage an area if we feel that it will cause an animal to kick or bite.
We have liability insurance. We feel it is very important that horse/dog owners ask if the therapist has insurance because it shows commitment to the industry and that the therapist understands there are risks in working with horses and dogs.
Yes. Always make sure that you are hiring someone who has graduated from an accredited school of massage therapy.
We do notice things that the owner might not have seen and always point it out. Depending on what we find, we may choose to work around it or investigate, but we always inform the owner. We cannot diagnose injury or illness, so we will refer people to their veterinarian if we have concerns.
Massage is used in various clinical settings such as veterinary rehabilitation centers, chiropractic clinics, and veterinary hospitals. More and more vets are using massage in their practices because of the therapeutic effects on all systems of the body. We believe in an integrative approach to medicine which means that no one modality has all the answers. We think that by working together we can heal much more effectively and we’d love to be part of your animal’s team! For example, if they are out of alignment, we can’t fix that; we are not chiropractors. A chiropractor will align the bones, but we can relax the muscles that help pull them out of alignment. A veterinarian who uses an integrative approach can determine if a pharmaceutical product would be best to relieve pain or if a natural supplement would be best. Massage is not a substitute for proper medical care.
All animals are different and have their own unique sets of conditions and circumstances. Because of the variety of techniques, a plan can be easily customized to suit the needs of a specific pet. All of these factors help determine the appropriate schedule for your massage plan. Examples are:
- Maintenance (to maintain flexibility and range of motion – no injury) 1-2 time per month
- Specific problem, such as chronic pain or mobility issues (performance issue) or obvious muscle injury 1-2 times per week for 2-4 weeks depending on individual circumstance
- Week 4 and beyond – as needed depending on condition and factors such as improvement, performance and confirmation.
Massage is not a substitute for veterinary care. As with any change in your pet’s medical condition, consult your pet’s veterinarian. A massage therapist does not diagnose or prescribe treatment. However, massage can help your dog/horse recover from injury. Treatment can reduce the pain associated with sprains, strains, and arthritic conditions. Your animal will recover faster from injury as a result of the benefits of massage and many veterinarians will suggest massage as part of your pet’s treatment plan. And, by working to maintain proper musculoskeletal function, massage can help to prevent injury and expensive veterinary interventions.
Most of the time, the answer is yes. Some owners are concerned about how their pets will react to a massage session. At Elite Performance Therapeutic Massage, our first step is to meet with you and your pet. We will discuss the pet’s needs, medical history, and your goals for that day’s massage. Owners are always welcome to be in the room with their dog during the actual sessions. This way you will be able to see first-hand just how your pet reacts to a massage. Sometimes, especially during a first massage, an animal will be unsure of the intention of the massage, and if you are present the pet may feel more reassured. It’s not uncommon at all for an animal to be overwhelmed at first, but the uncertainty generally goes away and the pets enjoy massage. Remember that every pet is unique so there are quite a variety of reactions. Some will get sleepy during a session while some leave extremely invigorated. No matter which of these categories (or somewhere in between) your pets falls in to, the result will benefit their overall well-being. Rarely, we do encounter pets that do not enjoy massage. If your pet is not relaxed and benefiting from the massage, we will recommend an alternate treatment.
Canine
Petting your dog is wonderful and is essential for your relationship. Your intention in petting is enjoyment and communication. There are different styles to petting, but most of them don’t compare to massage; the average petting is rarely more than skin deep. Massage is not the same as petting. It is a focused and specialized form of therapeutic touch. Massage is the intentional manipulation of soft tissue to promote health and healing and is performed by a certified small animal massage therapist utilizing specific movements and pressures for specific results. The results from consistent massage sessions will significantly impact your pet’s overall wellness; benefits most do not get from petting alone.
Your best friend's health is priceless. Massage provides a safe, natural, non-invasive method of maintaining your dog's optimal health and quality of life. Regular massage sessions may, in some circumstances, reduce the frequency of veterinary visits or the need for medication or more invasive, painful treatments. Often medications will be prescribed that have negative side effects.
We are located at 2115 Sherman Creek Rd, Eau Claire WI. If for some reason you are unable to transfer your dog, special arrangements can possibly be made to accommodate you. (Conditions apply)
We do have a massage table. Most of the time we are sitting up next to the dog, but we will get on our knees and we have actually lain down with a dog while massaging.
If you dog experiences the following:
- Cancer
- Shock
- Open wounds
- Fever
- Contagious diseases
Do not have a massage if any of these are present!
Equine
Have your horse clean and dry, halter and lead rope, owner or responsible party needs to be present.
Have your horse clean and dry, halter and lead rope, owner or responsible party needs to be present.
For equine massages, The owner to be present. We need to have someone available to bring the horse in. We can massage on cross ties or someone can hold a lead rope, and we have massaged on cross ties in an aisle, in a stall or even in a paddock - it will depend on the horse and the situation. Safety for the horse and people are the priority.
We come to your barn where your horse is more comfortable. We also can do massages at competitions, shows, seminars, clinics, etc.
If your horse experiences the following:
- Cancer
- Shock
- Open wounds
- Fever
- Contagious diseases
Do not have a massage if any of these are present!